Michael Giacone was taken totally off guard when Rutgers coach Greg Schiano left the Big East school to become the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It seems like that has been a common reaction with many of the Knights' commitments.

Giacone, a 6-foot-5, 246-pound tight end from Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's Prep, had given Boston College strong consideration before verbally committing to Rutgers.

He is once again a hot topic among BC fans because of the need at tight end after Sam Grant decommitted and Jameson McShea opted for Harvard.

"I think all of us came home and were a little surprised," Giacone told EagleAction.com on Thursday afternoon. "I think the best thing to do is to sit back for the night and talk things through with my family and coach. I need to weigh all my options."

Schiano was a big factor in Giacone's decision to commit to Rutgers.

"He was a pretty big factor," he acknowledged. "He was a great coach and kept the program organized. As of now none of the other coaches are leaving so everything still looks pretty good.

"It kind of stinks that it's a week before Signing Day. You think you have everything figured out and then it's like someone pulls the carpet out from under you."

Several schools have already contacted Giacone, though he won't yet comment on his interest in those programs.

"I've already talked to Boston College and Connecticut," Giacone said. "I know my coach was in contact with Wisconsin and UCF."

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